After Transmigration, I Picked Up A Husband and Daughter
Chapter 197 Seeing the Light Again

Chapter 197: Chapter 197 Seeing the Light Again

After all, her visit was charged with the daunting task of promoting her family’s valuable recipes, those ancestral cooking techniques that were to be kept closely guarded, preserving the uniqueness of this craft.

As time passed, sweat slid down Su Yu’s forehead, simultaneously bearing witness to the fruits of her laborious work.

In a flash, ten dishes, each uniquely characteristic, were displayed on the long table like pieces of art, each emitting an enticing sheen and aroma: the red oil of the Boiled Meat Slices shined invitingly, the Sour Fish Soup wafted a refreshing scent, the spicy aroma of diced chicken with red chili was lively, and the rare crispy Fish Scales challenged everyone’s imagination. The white-cut chicken was smooth and tender, appealing in color, the Mapo Tofu spicy and fragrant, the minced meat steamed eggs were smooth as jade, the soft and glutinous white meat was rich but not greasy, the garlic pork ribs golden and crisp, and the stir-fried vegetables retained the purest taste of nature.

The attendees sat around, facing this dual feast of vision and smell, and even before they had started to eat, their mouths watered in anticipation.

The excitement and expectation shone in He Hongmao’s eyes, but in his view, the real test was in the judgment of the taste buds.

At his command, everyone began to lift their chopsticks, ready to embark on this gustatory adventure, but he promptly stopped them, reminding everyone to savor slowly, enjoy the unique flavor of each dish, and not to miss the joy of tasting due to greed.

His words immediately moderates the previously impatient crowd, making them act more politely; they gently picked up food, chewed slowly, savoring every subtle taste change. Their expressions shifted accordingly, both focused and amusing, creating a scene that made Su Yu cover her mouth with a light laugh, making the atmosphere suddenly warm and relaxed.

Yet, He Hongmao himself had not yet moved his chopsticks, sparking Su Yu’s curiosity.

He pretended to be experienced, explaining that he planned to listen to everyone’s opinions first, and then make a conclusive critique at the end.

This feigned composure, combined with his barely concealable swallowing motion, almost made Su Yu laugh out loud, forcing her to pinch herself secretly as a reminder to maintain her professional demeanor.

After everyone at the table had taken turns tasting all the dishes, He Hongmao finally began to inquire about their impressions.

The attendees couldn’t stop praising the dishes, yet they struggled to precisely articulate why these dishes were so delicious.

He Hongmao jokingly ridiculed everyone’s layman status when it came to culinary appreciation and then took it upon himself to provide a professional critique.

His first taste was of the Boiled Meat Slices, the instant burst of spiciness and freshness made his pupils slightly constrict and a satisfied smile spread across his face. Although the feedback seemed common, it reflected his deep understanding of gourmet food in the details.

Next, whether it was the balanced sour and spicy flavor of the Sour Fish Soup, the spicy and crisp Chicken with Spices, or the refreshing and smooth white-cut chicken, He Hongmao gave each a detailed and nuanced review, each comment striking the essence of the dishes.

Upon hearing this, Su Yu couldn’t help but see He Hongmao in a new light, quietly admiring not just a boss who appreciated good food, but one who possessed sharp taste buds and accurate evaluative skills.

This resonance, sparked by the dance on the tip of the tongues, reached its climax amidst laughter and continuous praise, also adding to the likelihood of success in Su Yu’s recipe deal, with a hint of success lingering in the air.

Until the very last moment, his gaze lingered on something exceptionally eye-catching—the crispy item—Fish Scales. As he chewed thoughtfully, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, and curiosity mingled with bewilderment in his eyes: "This crispy texture, this lingering aftertaste, indeed leaves one craving more, but I can hardly imagine what magical ingredient could create this amazing flavor?"

With a smile playing at the corners of her mouth and a sly sparkle in her eyes, Su Yu knew that no one had yet managed to uncover the secret of this dish just by taste.

"Perhaps you all could use your imagination and guess the mystery behind it," she suggested.

Su Yu’s gentle words, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirred ripples, prompting everyone to taste again, trying to pinpoint familiar flavors from their memories.

Although they had just tasted it, why did this familiar yet strange sensation prove so elusive? As the Fish Scales on the plate gradually diminished, discussions ebbed and flowed, yet no consensus was reached.

A hint of perplexity showed in He Hongmao’s brows, and with a touch of skepticism, he asked, "Is this truly a masterpiece from our own restaurant?"

Su Yu nodded affirmatively and slightly playfully in response, "Otherwise? Could I possibly perform magic tricks?"

As soon as these words were uttered, the perplexity on everyone’s faces deepened. Every ingredient in the store had been handpicked and prepared by them, so how could such a unique item appear quietly? After much hesitation, a young worker who had helped with the fish tentatively spoke up, "Could it be... fish scales?"

Apart from this idea, he could find no other reasonable explanation.

As time passed, other hypotheses were one by one dismissed, and the credibility of fish scales as the answer grew stronger.

Not until Su Yu acknowledged with a faint smile, did exclamations of astonishment suddenly erupt around her.

Fish scales, which were usually considered waste, could transform into a delicacy on the table?

It was not just surprise but also a disruptive impact on conventional wisdom, "How is this possible? How could fish scales become so delicious?"

Facing these continuous expressions of amazement, Su Yu appeared calm and composed, as if she had anticipated all these reactions.

She continued patiently explaining the various benefits of consuming fish scales, from records in ancient texts to studies in modern nutrition, narrating every detail.

In the crowd, surprise and incredulity intertwined, creating a vivid scene.

"This is truly incredible! It definitely qualifies as a supreme innovation!"

He Hongmao could hardly contain his excitement, his words full of praise for this unprecedented fish scale delicacy: "I can guarantee that such an innovation is unique in our Clear Water Town, and even throughout the whole of Nanyue Country."

His excitement was evident, as if he had already envisioned the restaurant rejuvenated by this dish.

In comparison, the dishes at the Food Taste Restaurant seemed dull. Su Yu brought not only unique flavors but also revolutionary creativity.

Every dish she created seemed to inject new life into traditional culinary culture, leaving her competitors far behind.

Su Yu keenly captured the satisfied expression on He Hongmao’s face, and she was inwardly certain that today’s deal was already in the bag.

"Boss He, are you satisfied with my culinary skills?"

She asked with a smile.

He Hongmao eagerly nodded in agreement, praising Su Yu’s craftsmanship from appearance to taste, with no room for criticism.

"So, have you decided to purchase my recipes?"

Su Yu further confirmed, her tone carrying an undeniable confidence.

"Of course, I must buy! It’s just..."

He Hongmao hesitated at this point, slightly uncertain, as the issue of funds made him cautious about promising too readily, fearing the price might exceed his budget.